The French anti-doping agency (AFLD) will provide American federal investigators with Lance Armstrong's urine samples from the 1999 Tour de France. Armstrong allegedly used Erythropoietin (EPO) to win that year's race, his first of seven victories.
"The AFLD will meet America's request for legal assistance," AFLD boss Bruno Genevois told Le Monde, according to the AFP. "The process has only just begun."
French newspaper L'Equipe alleged in 2005 that Armstrong's 1999 samples contained blood booster erythropoietin (EPO). It reported that six of the samples revealed EPO, from anti-doping tests following the prologue and stages 1, 9, 10, 12 and 14.
Armstrong has denied allegations of doping in the 1999 race and throughout his career.
AFLD will pass its tests to American Jeff Novitzky, a federal prosecutor of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novitzky and his FDA colleagues are building a case against Armstrong. They opened a grand jury investigation into allegations made by Armstrong's former team-mate Floyd Landis.
Landis alleged in April last year that Armstrong doped during his Tour de France victories. The FDA has already heard testimony from several of Armstrong's former team-mates and associates.
Armstrong said last month that he is not bothered by the federal investigation.
"I am not doing anything," he said, though he has hired a legal representative, Mark Fabiani, and lawyer, Bryan D Daly.
"I have five kids to raise, a foundation to lead, a sport that I am still participating in and I still love. It has no effect on my life - zero. That's for other people to do."
Armstrong officially announced his retirement from the sport last week, on February 16. He last raced on January 23, the final stage of the Tour Down Under. He finished 67th overall, six minutes and 42 seconds behind 23-year-old winner Cameron Meyer.
Related links
Armstrong officially announces retirement
Armstrong investigation arrives in Europe
Armstrong's team mate Popovych testifies he did not witness doping
Armstrong's team-mate Popovych summonsed in doping investigation
Landis unlikely to stand trial for hacking says manager
Landis admits he doped and implicates others
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Back from bankruptcy, Mavic opens new facility in Vermont, teases new product
In addition to re-establishing sales in North America, the historic brand will release new wheels in the coming months
-
Neilson Powless on Saving Road Racing in America, Polka Dots and Parenthood
American Neilson Powless talks us through his 2023 Tour de France, preparing for parenthood and his goals for next season and beyond
